🚨GAME CHANGER: Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time!

2025 NFL Playoffs – Quarterfinals | Steelers Fans, Here’s What You Need to Know

Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM ET
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
TV Channel: FOX
Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com

The NFL 2025 Playoffs have reached the Quarterfinals, and this Sunday, January 18, 2026, one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the postseason will unfold as the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Steelers fans looking ahead to future playoff rounds will want to keep a close eye on this NFC showdown. With both teams vying for supremacy in the NFC, this game will serve as a major stepping stone toward the Super Bowl.

New Kickoff Time – 6:30 PM ET

In a surprise twist, the Seahawks vs 49ers game has been moved to a 6:30 PM ET kickoff, pushing the game into prime time. This late-afternoon/early-evening slot has added a new layer of excitement to the game, placing it at the center of NFL Quarterfinal action.

Steelers fans know how much a prime-time slot can heighten the intensity of a matchup, and this game will be no different. As the stakes get higher in the playoffs, every minute of this game will be critical, and the added pressure of prime-time football only intensifies the atmosphere.

How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Details

For fans who want to tune into the action, the Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers game will be broadcast nationally on FOX. If you’re watching from home or on the go, you can catch the game via FOX’s broadcast or streaming options.

• 📺 TV Broadcast: FOX

• 📱 Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com

• 🌍 International Viewers: International broadcasts and streaming available via NFL Game Pass

For Steelers fans who want to stay updated with the action while following their team’s playoff journey, this game promises to be a critical benchmark for future matchups, especially considering how both the Seahawks and 49ers stack up against Pittsburgh’s own postseason hopes.

Weather Conditions at Lumen Field – Classic Seattle Conditions

Lumen Field, one of the most intimidating home stadiums in the NFL, will be hosting a battle of NFC giants with the classic conditions of Seattle winter football. If you’ve ever seen a playoff game in Seattle, you know the weather can play a huge role in how the game unfolds.

Game-time Weather:

• 🌡 Temperature: Around 38°F (3°C) at kickoff

• 💨 Wind: Expected to be around 18 mph with gusts

• 🌧 Precipitation: Light rain is possible

• 🌫 Feels-Like Temperature: High 20s to low 30s

The cold, wet conditions expected at Lumen Field will create a challenging environment for both teams. The wind, especially, will affect passing accuracy, and with the Seahawks’ and 49ers’ reliance on the run game, weather could have a significant impact. A steady rain could further complicate passing attempts and lead to more turnovers or fumbles.

Steelers fans know that playing in cold, wet conditions is a different kind of test. Both teams must adjust to these elements, and this game will reveal how each team handles the physical demands of outdoor football.

The Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks: Can They Overcome Their NFC West Rivals?

The Seattle Seahawks have made it this far in the playoffs with a strong regular-season finish and an impressive comeback. As the No. 5 seed in the NFC, Seattle has shown resilience under pressure, with quarterback Russell Wilson leading the charge. Wilson has been one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and his ability to improvise and lead the offense will be critical for Seattle’s success.

Seattle’s running game will also play a key role. With Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny leading the backfield, the Seahawks have the physicality to control the game on the ground, particularly against a 49ers defense that excels in shutting down the pass.

However, Seattle’s defense will need to match the intensity. With Jamal Adams anchoring the secondary and Bobby Wagner leading the linebackers, they have the talent to slow down the 49ers’ dynamic offense.

Steelers fans watching this game should keep an eye on how the Seahawks’ defense responds to the 49ers’ potent offensive attack. Containing the 49ers’ weapons will be crucial for Seattle’s chances to advance to the NFC Championship.

San Francisco 49ers: The Heavy Favorite for Super Bowl Glory

The San Francisco 49ers enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the NFC with an outstanding 13-4 record. Their blend of offense and defense has made them a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Under the leadership of head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers are known for their dominant defense and balanced offensive attack.

On offense, Trey Lance has been steady in his first full season as the starting quarterback, supported by a stellar cast that includes Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Their ability to execute both the run and pass game makes the 49ers one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.

However, what truly sets San Francisco apart is their defensive line, led by Nick Bosa, and their linebacker unit, headed by Fred Warner. This defense has been suffocating all season, and their ability to rush the quarterback and shut down the run will be key to the game’s outcome.

For Steelers fans watching, San Francisco’s defense will serve as a measuring stick for how to execute against teams with elite pass rushers. The way San Francisco plays defense is similar to how Pittsburgh wants to set up its own defense in a playoff run.

Key Matchups Steelers Fans Should Watch

Even though the Steelers are not involved in this game directly, it’s important for fans to pay attention to how both teams approach crucial game situations, particularly in the playoffs.

1. Quarterback Play:

Both Russell Wilson and Trey Lance are capable of taking over a game. Wilson’s experience and leadership are invaluable in high-pressure situations, while Lance’s potential to hit big plays with his legs and arm makes him an unpredictable weapon. This matchup will highlight how important quarterback play is for postseason success.

2. Offensive Lines and Running Game:

The 49ers excel at controlling the line of scrimmage with their offensive line, especially when it comes to running the ball. Watch how Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny of the Seahawks match up against the powerful front of the 49ers. Both teams will lean on the run game to establish control, making the performance of their offensive lines a key factor.

3. Defensive Dominance:

Steelers fans know how important defense is in playoff football. This game will showcase two teams with formidable defenses, especially in the front seven. Nick Bosa and the 49ers’ pass rush will be a key factor in disrupting Wilson’s ability to make plays, while the Seahawks’ defense will need to step up to slow down San Francisco’s explosive offense.

Why This Game Matters to Steelers Fans

While the Steelers are not directly involved in this game, watching how the Seahawks and 49ers handle postseason pressure will provide valuable lessons. This game will give Steelers fans a preview of the kind of grit, mental toughness, and strategy required to make a deep playoff run.

Additionally, the outcome of this game could have important seeding implications, with both teams positioned as contenders in the NFC. How the 49ers perform in this high-stakes matchup could indicate how they would fare against Pittsburgh’s defense if they meet in the Super Bowl.

For Steelers fans, keeping track of both teams’ strategies—particularly on defense and in the trenches—will help understand how Pittsburgh needs to adjust in future rounds.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

The Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers promises to be a thrilling NFC Quarterfinal matchup. With the new 6:30 PM ET kickoff time, playoff football in Seattle will undoubtedly be intense, with the weather adding another layer of drama to the already high stakes.

Final Score Prediction:
49ers 24, Seahawks 17

Both teams are capable of explosive plays, but San Francisco’s well-rounded game will likely overpower Seattle’s youthful energy. With superior defense and a balanced offensive attack, the 49ers are poised to move on to the NFC Championship.

Steelers fans should tune in to gain insights into how they can execute in a similarly tough playoff environment. This is one game you won’t want to miss!

Stay tuned for more updates, predictions, and live coverage as the NFL playoffs continue. This Seahawks vs 49ers game is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable postseason journey!